If you don’t have one then there are two easy fixes to the dilemma, one is cutting the roof off of your car, which we don’t advise. The second is buying a new stylish convertible. Here is a list of topless cars available for sale in South Africa that will help you decide which one best suits you.
Ford Mustang:
It is an icon and probably one of the most well-known cars worldwide, and one finally available in South Africa. We might not have the Californian coastline but the Durban beach front is a pretty cool place to show off your American muscle. The 5.0-litre V8 engine develops 306 kW of power that will definitely provide the aural pleasure you would expect from such an engine. Buyers will appreciate the standard multi-layer insulated cloth top that gives the car an upscale appearance and a quiet cabin. The top has a sleek profile when folded for open-air motoring.
Mazda MX-5
If it’s small sports car you are after, well the Mazda MX-5 is probably your best bet. Mazda has spent more than 25 years being obsessed with everything a lightweight sports car can be. All the Jinba ittai inspiration gained over three model generations has gone into the all-new MX-5.
Its aggressive looks are, in a word, moving. Even at a standstill, the MX-5's flowing KODO-inspired lines seem to be in motion. But it still looks best - as do those inside - in its main element, driving down the open road with the top down. Under the hood lies a 2.0-litre 118 kW / 200 Nm motor that uses the brands SKYACTIV technology for better power to efficiency ratios.
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
The Italians know a thing or two about small, stylish sports cars and the 4C is one of our most desired little cars ever. We here at Autodealer just love its mid mounted, all-aluminium 1750 turbocharged engine which develops 177 kW and 350 Nm. Zero to 100 km/h is said to be around 4.1 seconds. Having launched the hard top first, it was only a matter of time before the a roofless model arrived and we just adore it.
BMW 4-series convertible
One of the most commonly seen cars on our roads is the BMW 4-series convertible. This is unlike the other open top fabric roof cars on the list, because it has a metal-folding roof. The design language of the new 4-series is reflected in the car's unmistakable and elegant silhouette with balanced proportions when the top is down, and in the sleek look of the roofline - without a B-pillar - when the hardtop is closed. As for engines, well BMW offer a wide range but we just can’t help but want the 440i, a TwinPower turbo six-cylinder which develops 240 kW / 450 Nm.
Mercedes-Benz SLC
The SLC is the new name of what we know as the SLK, one of the first mass produced roadsters to make use of a hard-top folding roof. The SLC has come a long way from its Barbie doll days. We recently tested the SLC300 and it is a spirited car with a decent grunt. As part of the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz designers have further honed the roadster's sporty look. The new front section, where the steeply raked radiator grille elongates the appearance of the arrow-shaped bonnet, is particularly striking. All SLC models feature a diamond radiator grille as standard.
Jaguar F-Type
One of the most beautiful cars on the road today, well in our opinion anyway, is the Jaguar F-Type roadster. It is also the oldest car on our list but we don’t care because the F-Type ticks all the convertible boxes, twice. It compact cabin sits just about on the rear wheels while the engine lurks under a long bonnet. Under said bonnet, one would find a choice of two different motors, a supercharged V6 or a mighty supercharged V8. Strangely though, we rather like the V6, 280 kW / 450 Nm can be expected however it is the somewhat unique or iconic Jaguar exhaust note that we like the most. The car is incredibly impractical, however once behind the wheel with the roof down, the experience is tough to beat.
Mini Convertible
Nothing says city slicker better than a Mini convertible. We love it though because Mini, in general is just so full of character. The soft top version features a fully electric, and has been optimised for the very best heat and acoustic insulation. Quieter than ever before when opened, it folds neatly behind the rear seats. The front roof section can also be retracted by up to 40 cm, at any speed.
